Outlet control system

ABSTRACT

An outlet control system includes a transmitter-detector module having a plug and at least one outlet electrically connected to the plug, wherein the transmitter-detector module is configured to transmit a control signal in response to power being applied to the transmitter plug; and a receiver-switch module comprising a receiver plug and a receiver outlet electrically connected to the plug through a power switch, wherein the receiver-switch module is configured to receive the control signal from the transmitter-detector module and provide a signal to the power switch, such that said power switch is turned on to cause the receiver plug to be connected to the receiver outlet when power is being applied to the transmitter plug and is not turned on when the power is not being supplied to the transmitter plug.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/060,206, filed Mar. 3, 2016, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/129,658, filed onMar. 6, 2015, both of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a system for controlling an electricaloutlet, and more particularly, to a system for extending switchedcontrol to a non-switched outlet.

Nearly every apartment or house has at least one outlet that iscontrolled by a wall switch. This outlet is referred to as the “switchedoutlet.” Often in bedrooms, one wall switch will control the outletnearest the bed, generally for use with a light. Oftentimes, however,the location of this “switched outlet” is inconvenient or not in themost efficient location. There currently exists no simple method forchanging which outlet is controlled by the switch or controllingmultiple outlets with the switch. The methods that currently existgenerally require either rewiring the outlets or purchasing a smart homedevice and replacing the switch and outlet. A need exists for a simplemethod for changing which outlet is controlled by the switch withoutrewiring or extensive replacement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Presently disclosed is an outlet control system. In an embodiment, theoutlet control system includes a transmitter-detector module and areceiver-switch module. The transmitter-detector module is configured todetect the state of a switched outlet and transmit a control signal inresponse to the detected state. The receiver-switch module is configuredto receive the control signal, and further configured to switch anoutlet based upon the received control signal.

In some embodiments, the control signal includes discrete “turn on” and“turn off” codes. In other embodiments, the control signal includes a“turn on” code continuously transmitted while the switched outlet ispowered on. In yet other embodiments, the control signal causes a powerswitch of the receiver-switch module to change state. In someembodiments, the transmitter-detector module includes a power lossdetection circuit configured to detect loss of power and an energystorage circuit configured to store sufficient energy to operate thetransmitter-detector module to transmit a “turn off” code.

In some embodiments, the transmitter-detector module includes a radiofrequency transmitter, and the receiver-detector modules includes aradio frequency receiver. In some embodiments, the control signal is a433 Mhz RF pulse code modulated signal.

In some embodiments, the receiver-switch module includes a switchedoutlet and a non-switched outlet.

In yet another embodiment, the outlet control system includes twocircuit boxes. One circuit box (transmitter-detector module) is pluggedinto the “switched outlet” and the other circuit box (receiver-switchmodule) is plugged in to any other outlet in the room. When the wallswitch is turned on, the circuit box plugged into the “switched outlet”sends a signal to the other circuit box instructing that second box toturn on as well. When the wall switch is turned off, the circuit boxplugged into the “switched outlet” sends a signal to the other circuitbox instructing that second box to turn off. Thus, even though thesecond outlet is not a “switched outlet”, the present invention allowsthat second outlet to act like one. The transmitter-detector module mayor may not include an outlet allowing devices to be plugged into thetransmitter-detector module. If the transmitter-detector module includesan outlet, a device plugged into the transmitter-detector module may beoperated as if it were directly connected to the “switched outlet”. Inan embodiment of the present invention, the non-“switched outlet”circuit box has two or more outlets, with not all of those outlets beingcontrolled by the switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention can be best understood from the following detaileddescription of exemplary embodiments of the invention taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a room with a switch, a switched outlet,and two non-switched outlets.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a room with an embodiment of an outletcontrol system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a room with another embodiment of anoutlet control system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a transmitter module foran outlet control system.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a transmitter module foran outlet control system.

FIG. 6 is a detailed schematic view of an embodiment of a transmittermodule for an outlet control system.

FIG. 7 is another embodiment of a transmitter module for an outletcontrol system.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a receiver module for anoutlet control system.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a receiver module for anoutlet control system.

FIG. 10 is a detailed schematic view of an embodiment of a receivermodule for an outlet control system.

FIG. 11 is another embodiment of a receiver module for an outlet controlsystem.

FIG. 12 is a graph of a control signal for an outlet control system.

FIG. 13 is a graph of another control signal for an outlet controlsystem.

FIG. 14 is a graph of another control signal for an outlet controlsystem.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of another embodiment of atransmitter-detector module for an outlet control system.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a transmitter-detector module for anoutlet control system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention relates in general to a system for controlling anelectrical outlet, and more particularly, a system for extendingswitched control to a non-switched outlet.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-16, an outlet control system isdisclosed. As described herein, an outlet control system providesswitched control for a non-switched outlet. For purposes ofillustration, the disclosed outlet control system is described in use ina room of a home or apartment, such as a bedroom. A room may include aswitch, such as a wall switch, and a plurality of electrical outlets. Asused herein, the term “outlet” refers to an electrical receptacleconfigured to receive an electrical plug. As is commonly known, two ormore outlets may be combined in a single installation. Thus a singleinstallation may include both a switched outlet and a non-switchedoutlet in the same physical installation. Each outlet may be 2-prong or3-prong outlet as desired. An outlet may also be in the form of a lightsocket configured to receive the plug of a light bulb. Thus, theswitched outlet may be a light socket controlled by a wall switch orother switch. In addition, the outlets may operate at any voltage andcurrent, appropriate to the country or application. It will beunderstood, however, that the disclosed outlet control system is broadlyapplicable to any environment having one or more switched outlets andone or more non-switched outlets and that the outlet control system maybe used to extend switched control to any of the non-switched outlets.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary room 10 is illustrated. The room 10includes a switch 12, a switched outlet 14, a first non-switched outlet16, and a second non-switched outlet 18. As is commonly known, theswitch 12 operates to switch power at the switched outlet 14 between anON and OFF state. In contrast to the switched outlet 14, thenon-switched outlets 16, 18 are always in the ON state. As used herein,the ON state refers to a powered condition, whereas the OFF state refersto an unpowered condition. An electrical device, such as a lamp 20, maybe connected to the switched outlet 14. Assuming the lamp 20 is left inan ON state, when the switch 12 is switched to the “ON” position, theswitched outlet 14 is switched to the ON state, and the lamp 20 lights.Conversely, when the switch 12 is switched to the “OFF” position, theswitched outlet switches to the OFF state, and the lamp 20 turns off.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the room 10 is illustrated with an outletcontrol system. In an embodiment, the outlet control system includes atransmitter-detector module 30 and a receiver-switch module 40. Thetransmitter-detector module 30 has a plug configured to be plugged intothe switched outlet 14. The transmitter-detector module 30 optionallyincludes an outlet configured to receive an electrical plug. Thereceiver-switch module 40 includes a plug configured to be plugged intoone of the non-switched outlets. The receiver-switch module 40 alsoincludes an outlet configured to receive an electrical plug.

When the transmitter-detector module 30 is plugged into switched-outlet14, an electrical device (such as the lamp 20) may be plugged into thetransmitter-detector module 30. In this arrangement, operation of theswitch 12 causes the lamp 20 to light (or not) in the same manner aswhen the transmitter-detector module 30 is not present.

In an embodiment, the transmitter-detector module 30 is configured todetect the state of the switched outlet (i.e. ON or OFF), and totransmit a control signal to the receiver-switch module 40. Thereceiver-switch module 40 is configured to receive the control signaland to switch the outlet of the receiver-detector module 40 between theON and OFF states in response to the received control signal.

As shown in FIG. 2, the transmitter-detector module 30 is plugged intothe switched outlet 14. The receiver-switch module 40 is plugged intothe non-switched outlet 16. The lamp 20 is plugged into the outlet ofthe receiver-switch module 40. When the switch 12 is switched to the“ON” position, the switched outlet 14 is switched to its ON state. Inresponse to the ON state of the switched outlet 14, thetransmitter-detector module 30 transmits a control signal which isreceived by the receiver-switch module 40. In response to receiving thecontrol signal, the receiver-switch module 40 closes its power switchsuch that the outlet of the receiver-switch module enters an ON stateand the lamp lights. In a similar manner, when the switch 12 is switchedto the “OFF” position, the switched outlet 14 is switched to its OFFstate. The transmitter-detector module 30 transmits a control signal tothe receiver-detector module 40, and the receiver-detector module opensits power switch such that the outlet of the receiver-switch moduleenters an OFF state and the lamp turns off. Alternatively, thetransmitter-detector module 30 stops transmitting the control signal,and the receiver-detector module 40 opens its power switch in responseto the loss of the control signal being received. In either manner, theswitched control of the switched outlet 14 has been extended to thenon-switched outlet 16.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the room 10 is illustrated with anotherembodiment of an outlet control system. As shown in FIG. 3, atransmitter-detector module 30 is plugged into switched outlet 14. Afirst receiver-switch module 40 is plugged into non-switched outlet 16,and a second receiver-switch module 40 is plugged into the non-switchedoutlet 18. Both the first and second receiver-switch modules 40 arepaired with the transmitter-detector module 40, such that when theswitch 12 is switched to the “ON” position, both of the lamps 20 pluggedinto the receiver-switch modules 40 light. Multiple receiver-switchmodules may be paired with a given transmitter-detector module allowingswitched control to be extended to as many non-switched outlets asdesired.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-7, embodiments of a transmitter-detector moduleare illustrated. As shown in FIG. 4, a transmitter-detector module 30includes a plug 32. The transmitter-detector module may optionallyinclude an outlet 34. In embodiments that include an outlet, the plug 32is electrically connected to the outlet 34 such that a device connectedto outlet 34 functions in the same manner as if the device wereconnected to the switched outlet to which the transmitter-detectormodule is attached. The transmitter-detector module 30 also includes atransmitter 36. In an embodiment, the transmitter 36 receives power whenthe switched outlet enters an ON state. As illustrated in FIG. 5, in oneembodiment, the transmitter receives power from the AC LINE IN. Thetransmitter may include power conversion circuitry (AC-DC), controlcircuitry (MCU), and a wireless transmitter (RF MOD TX). In anembodiment, the transmitter may also include AC power loss detectioncircuitry (AC LOSS DET). The AC power loss detection circuitry isconfigured to detect the loss of AC power, such as occurs when theswitch 12 is switched to an “OFF” position and the switched outletenters an OFF state. In some embodiments, the transmitter-detector mayinclude an energy storage device, such as a capacitor, capable ofstoring sufficient energy to power the transmitter to communicate withthe receiver-switch module to switch the receiver-switch module to anOFF state. A more detailed schematic view of one embodiment of atransmitter-detector module is illustrated in FIG. 6. A detailedschematic view of another embodiment of a transmitter-detector module isillustrated in FIG. 7.

In another embodiment (not shown), the transmitter-detector module mayinclude two or more outlets such that the transmitter-detector modulealso functions as an outlet expander in addition to its function in theoutlet control system.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-11, embodiments of a receiver-switch module areillustrated. As shown in FIG. 8, a receiver-switch module 40 includes aplug 42. The receiver-switch 40 also includes a switched outlet 44.Optionally, the receiver-switch module 40 may also include anon-switched outlet 46. The non-switched outlet 46 is electricallyconnected to the plug 42, in parallel with the switched outlet 44. Thenon-switched outlet 46 bypasses the switch capability of thereceiver-switch module and, therefore, functions in the same manner asthe non-switched outlets 16, 18 (shown in FIGS. 1-3).

The receiver-switch module 40 also includes a power switch 48 and areceiver 50 that provides a signal to the power switch such that thepower switch is turned on to cause the plug 42 to be connected to theswitched outlet 44 or turned off to disconnect the plug 42 from theswitched outlet 44. In this manner, when the plug 42 is connected to anon-switched outlet (such as non-switched outlets 16, 18), the powerswitch 48 provides control over the state of the switched outlet 44 inresponse to the control signal received by receiver 50.

Referring to FIG. 9, a block diagram of one embodiment of areceiver-switch module is illustrated. The receiver-switch modulereceives power from the AC LINE IN. The receiver-switch module includesa wireless receiver (RF MOD RX) for receiving the control signal fromthe transmitter-detector module, and control circuitry (MCU) to controla switch (OPTO CP TRIAC) to establish the outlet (AC LINE OUT) in an ONor OFF state. A more detailed schematic view of the circuitry of areceiver-switch module is illustrated in FIG. 10. A detailed schematicview of another embodiment of a receiver-switch module is illustrated inFIG. 11.

In an embodiment, the power switch 48 of the receiver-switch module 40is a fail-safe switch that is configured to maintain an open circuit ifthe switch or related circuitry fails. In this manner, a failure of thereceiver-switch module will result in the module maintaining an OFFstate for the switched outlet 44.

In an embodiment, a transmitter-detector module is paired with a singlereceiver-switch module. In other embodiments, a transmitter-detectormodule is paired with a plurality of receiver-switch modules. In someembodiments, the pairing of transmitter-detector modules withreceiver-switch modules is programmable. In one embodiment, eachtransmitter-detector is assigned a unique pre-set code, and eachreceiver-switch module may be programmed or reprogrammed to respond tothe unique pre-set code of the transmitter-detector module. In anembodiment, the code is a pseudorandom code preassigned to thetransmitter detector module, and the receiver-switch module isconfigured to receive and store the pseudorandom code from thetransmitter-detector module during a pairing operation, such that thereceiver-switch module is associated with the transmitter-detectormodule. In another embodiment, a transmitter-detector module may beprogrammable, and the receiver-switch modules also programmable torespond to the transmitter-detector module. In various embodiments, oneor both of the transmitter-detector module and receiver-switch moduleinclude a code selector (see, e.g. FIGS. 7, 11 “CODE #”). In oneembodiment, the code selector includes multiple binary switches that, incombination, function to set a code. For example, a code selector withthree binary switches may be used to set a code to a value from 000 to111 binary (0 to 7 decimal). When a given transmitter-detector moduleand receiver-switch module are set to the same code, the modules will bepaired. In some embodiments, the code selector may be set mechanically,while in other embodiments the code selector may be set electronically.In either case, the pairing of the transmitter-detector module andreceiver-switch modules allows for multiple outlet control systems tooperate in close proximity (i.e. within the range of the transmitter inthe transmission-detector modules). The pairing of modules also allows asingle transmitter-detector module to control multiple receiver-switchmodules. In other applications, a single receiver-switch module may becontrolled by multiple transmitter-detector modules. The disclosedoutlet control system thereby allows for rapid and flexiblereconfigurations of the switched outlet control throughout a home orapartment.

As described above, the transmitter-detector module communicates withthe receiver-switch module wirelessly. In one embodiment, thecommunication is performed with radio frequency transmitters andreceivers, and the transmitter-detector module and the receiver-switchmodule each include an antenna configured to transmit or receive thecontrol signal at the selected frequency. In an embodiment, the radiofrequency transmitters and receivers operate at approximately 433 Mhz.In other embodiments, radio frequency communication may be performed atother frequencies. In an embodiment, the control signal communicatedbetween the transmitter-detector module and the receiver-switch moduleis a pulse code modulated (PCM) signal. A PCM signal may be lesssusceptible to interference and reduce the potential for erroneousactivation of the receiver-switch module. In embodiments, the radiofrequency communication has a minimum range of at least 20 feet, howeverlonger ranges, such as at least 150 feet, are also contemplated.

In yet other embodiments, other wireless communication techniques may beemployed. For example, Bluetooth communication may be utilized to pair agiven transmitter-detector module with a receiver-switch module. Inother environments where a line of sight is available between thetransmitter-detector module and the receiver-switch module, an infraredcommunication may be used to transmit the control signal.

Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the operation of the outlet control system isfurther illustrated with respect to the control signal communicatedbetween the transmitter-detector module and the receiver-switch module.In an embodiment, the control signal includes discrete ON and OFFcommands communicated to the receiver-switch module. Thetransmitter-detector module is plugged into a standard 3-prong, 120 VACswitched outlet. When the switched outlet is powered on (i.e. switchedto an ON state), the transmitter-detector module receives power andwakes up. The transmitter-detector sends a “turn on” code to thereceiver-detector module. The “turn on” code may be communicated usingthe radio frequency transmitter and may be communicated via 433 Mhz RFPCM. The transmission of the “turn on” command control signal isillustrated in FIG. 12, labeled ON. While the switched outlet is in theON state, the transmitter-detector module stores energy in an energystorage component, such as a capacitor. When the switched outlet isswitched to the OFF state, the transmitter-detector module has enoughstored energy to send a “turn off” code before the transmitter-detectormodule shuts down. The transmission of the “turn off” command controlsignal is illustrated in FIG. 12, labeled OFF. In this manner,communication of the control signal is limited to the “turn on” and“turn off” codes. In addition, the transmitter-detector module isconfigured to detect the loss of power associated with a transition tothe OFF state so that the “turn off” command may be transmitted beforepower is lost.

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 13, the control signal doesnot include discrete ON and OFF commands, but signals thereceiver-detector module to “change state”. In an embodiment in whichthe receiver-switch module is paired with multiple transmitter-detectormodules, when the receiver-switch module receives the control signalfrom any of the transmitter-detector modules, the receiver-switch moduleprovides a signal to the power switch to cause the power switch tochange state, such that the power switch is alternately turned on tocause the receiver plug to be connected to the receiver outlet, andturned off to cause the receiver plug to be disconnected from thereceiver plug. An example of this embodiment and the resulting state ofthe switched outlet of the receiver-switch module is illustrated in FIG.13 in response to control signals received from two transmitter-detectormodules (TX1, TX2).

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 14, the transmitter-detectormodule is plugged into an outlet as described above. When the switchedoutlet is powered on (i.e. switched to the ON state), thetransmitter-detector module receives power and wakes up. In thisembodiment, the transmitter-detector sends a control signal to thereceiver-switch module continuously so long as the switched outlet ispowered on. The receiver-switch module receives the control signalcontinuously and so long as the control signal is being received, thereceiver-switch module turns on the power switch thereby applying powerto the switched outlet of the receiver-switch module. When the switchedoutlet is powered off, the transmitter-detector loses power and stopstransmitting the control signal. The transmitter-detector may stoptransmitting upon power loss, or may detect power loss and stoptransmitting as part of a controlled shut down sequence using powerstored in an energy storage circuit. In either event, when the controlsignal is no longer received by the receiver-switch module, thereceiver-switch module turns off its power switch thereby de-poweringits switched outlet.

In yet another embodiment, a system includes a transmitter-detectormodule and a receiver-switch module. The transmitter-detector module hasa plug and, optionally, at least one outlet electrically connected tothe plug and is configured to transmit a control signal in response topower being applied to the transmitter plug. The receiver-switch modulehas a receiver plug and a receiver outlet electrically connected to thereceiver plug through a power switch, and is configured to receive thecontrol signal from the transmitter-detector module and provide a signalto the power switch, such that said power switch is turned on to causethe receiver plug to be connected to the receiver outlet when power isbeing applied to the transmitter plug and is not turned on when thepower is not being supplied to the transmitter plug.

In some embodiments, the receiver-switch module includes at least onenon-switched outlet that is electrically connected to the receiver plugnot through the power switch.

In some embodiments, the transmitter-detector module includes atransmitter for transmitting the control signal, and the transmitter isactivated in response to power being applied to the transmitter plug.

Referring now to FIG. 15, in some embodiments, the transmitter-detectormodule includes a power detection sensor 60 connected in circuit withcontacts of the transmitter plug (AC+, AC−) and configured to detect thepresence of power being applied to the transmitter plug. In anembodiment, the power detection sensor 60 also includes a rectifier 62and an optically coupled isolator phototransistor 64 configured togenerate an output signal (TX CNTL) in response to power being appliedto the transmitter plug. In an embodiment, the transmitter-detectormodule also includes a microcontroller 66 configured to receive theoutput signal (TX CNTL) from the sensor 60 and provide a signal to atransmitter circuit 68.

In one embodiment, microcontroller 66 is configured to cause thetransmitter circuit 68 to transmit the control signal to thereceiver-switch module in response to the signal from the powerdetection sensor 60 indicating that power is being applied to thetransmitter plug and not transmit the control signal when the signalfrom the power detection sensor indicates that power is not beingapplied to the transmitter plug.

In another embodiment, the microcontroller 66 is configured to cause thetransmitter circuit 68 to transmit the control signal to thereceiver-switch module in response to the signal from the powerdetection sensor 60 indicating that power is being applied to thetransmitter plug and then to stop transmitting the control signal, andto transmit a second control signal to the receiver-switch module inresponse to the signal from the power detection module indicating thatpower is not being applied to the transmitter plug.

In yet another embodiment, the transmitter-detection module is furtherconfigured to detect the loss of power being applied to the transmitterplug. For example, the loss of power may be detected by monitoring thetransition of the TX CNTL signal from a low to high state. Thetransmitter-detection module may include an energy storage circuit, suchas capacitor 70, configured to store sufficient energy to operate thetransmitter-detector module to transmit the second control signal afterthe loss of power to the transmitter plug. The energy storage circuit,such as capacitor 70, is charged when power is applied to thetransmitter plug.

In another embodiment, a transmitter-detector module is in the form of alight socket in which the transmitter plug is a threaded plug, and thetransmitter outlet is a threaded socket. The transmitter detector modulefunctions in the same manner as the embodiments previously discussed,but is configured to be attached between a light socket and aconventional light bulb with a threaded base. If a wall switch (or otherswitch) controls a light fixture, the transmitter-detector moduleoperates to extend the switched control to non-switched outlets usingthe receiver-switch module as previously discussed. In otherembodiments, the receiver-switch module may also be provided in the formof a light socket to add the controllable switch function to lights thatare either always on or left in a powered state.

Referring now to FIG. 16, another embodiment of a transmitter-detectormodule is illustrated. The transmitter-detector module 90 includes atransmitter circuit 98, a sensor 94, a microcontroller 96, and aninternal power supply 92. The microcontroller 96 is configured toreceive an input signal from the sensor 92 and provide an output signalto the transmitter circuit 98 to cause the transmitter circuit totransmit a control signal. The receiver-switch module is configured toreceive the control signal from the transmitter-detector module andprovide a signal to the power switch to cause the power switch to changestate in response to receiving the control signal, such that said powerswitch is alternately turned on to cause the receiver plug to beconnected to the receiver outlet and turned off to cause the receiverplug to be disconnected from the receiver outlet.

The internal power supply 92 provides power to the sensor 92, themicrocontroller 96, and the transmitter circuit 98. In this manner, thetransmitter-detector module 90 may be used in configurations that arenot attached to a powered outlet. For example, the transmitter-detectormodule may be in the form of a portable switch that may be carried ortemporarily affixed to a surface, such as a wall. In one embodiment, thetransmitter-detector module includes a toggle switch connected to thesensor and configured to activate the sensor such that the power switchof the receiver-switch module changes state. In another embodiment, thetransmitter-detector module includes a push button control connected tothe sensor and configured to activate the sensor such that the powerswitch of the receiver-switch module changes state.

In yet other embodiments, the sensor 92 of the transmitter-detectormodule may include a motion sensor, such that the power switch of thereceiver-switch module is turned on in response to motion detected bythe motion sensor. The transmitter-detector module may also include atimer, such that upon expiration of the timer the transmitter-detectormodule transmits a control signal causing the receiver-switch module toturn off. In this manner, the presently disclosed system provides theability to control an outlet based on motion detected at a remotelocation.

In yet another embodiment, the sensor 92 of the transmitter-detector maybe a light sensor, such that the power switch of the receiver-switchmodule is turned on or turned off in response to the level of detectedlight. In this manner, the presently disclosed system provides theability to control an outlet based on light detected at a remotelocation.

In yet another embodiment, the transmitter-detector module may beintegrated into a smart control system. The smart system may include oneor more processors or communication devices capable of activating thetransmission circuit of the transmitter-detector module. In this manner,a smart system augmented with the disclosed transmitter-detector modulemay function with one or receiver-switch modules without requiring smartreceivers to be installed at each outlet to be controlled.

In yet another embodiment, the transmitter-detector module may include adisplay and a programmable timer allowing a user to configure thetransmitter to turn on or turn off the receiver-switch modules based onpreprogrammed times or durations.

In the various embodiments described above, the disclosed system extendsswitched outlet control to non-switched outlets without the difficultyof rewiring or cost of complex smart home systems.

While principles and modes of operation have been explained andillustrated with regard to particular embodiments, it must beunderstood, however, that this may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spiritor scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a transmitter-detector module comprising a plug, wherein the transmitter-detector module is configured to transmit a control signal in response to power being applied to the transmitter plug; and a receiver-switch module comprising a receiver plug and a receiver outlet electrically connected to the plug through a power switch, wherein the receiver-switch module is configured to receive the control signal from the transmitter-detector module and provide a signal to the power switch, such that said power switch is turned on to cause the receiver plug to be connected to the receiver outlet when power is being applied to the transmitter plug and is not turned on when the power is not being supplied to the transmitter plug.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter-detector module further comprises and at least one outlet electrically connected to the plug.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiver-switch module includes at least one non-switched outlet that is electrically connected to the receiver plug not through the power switch.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter-detector module includes a transmitter for transmitting the control signal, wherein the transmitter is activated in response to power being applied to the transmitter plug.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter-detector module includes a power detection sensor connected in circuit with contacts of the transmitter plug and configured to detect the presence of power being applied to the transmitter plug and a microcontroller configured to receive an input signal from the power detection sensor and to provide an output signal to a transmitter circuit.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the transmitter circuit transmits the control signal to the receiver in response to the signal from the power detection sensor indicating that power is being applied to the transmitter plug and does not transmit the control signal when the signal from the power detection sensor indicates that power is not being applied to the transmitter plug.
 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the transmitter circuit transmits the control signal to the receiver-switch module in response to the signal from the power detection sensor indicating that power is being applied to the transmitter plug and transmits a second control signal to the receiver-switch module in response to the signal from the power detection module indicating that power is not being applied to the transmitter plug.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the transmitter-detection module is further configured to detect the loss of power being applied to the transmitter plug, and further comprises an energy storage circuit configured to store sufficient energy to operate the transmitter-detector module to transmit the second control signal after the loss of power to the transmitter plug.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the energy storage circuit comprises a rechargeable energy storage device that is charged when power is applied to the transmitter plug.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmitter plug is a threaded plug configured to mate with a light socket and the transmitter outlet is a threaded socket configured to receive a light bulb.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the control signal is a pseudorandom code preassigned to the transmitter-detector module.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the receiver-switch module is configured to receive and store the pseudorandom code from the transmitter-detector module during a pairing operation, such that the receiver-switch module is associated with the transmitter-detector module.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein receiver-switch module has a code selector configured for associating the receiver-switch module to a code assigned to the control signal of the transmitter-detector module.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein receiver-switch module has a code selector configured for associating the receiver-switch module to a code assigned to the control signal of the transmitter-detector module.
 15. A system comprising: a transmitter-detector module comprising a transmitter circuit, a sensor, a microcontroller, and an internal power supply, wherein the microcontroller is configured to receive an input signal from the sensor and provide an output signal to the transmitter circuit to cause the transmitter circuit to transmit a control signal, and a receiver-switch module comprising a receiver plug and a receiver outlet electrically connected to the plug through a power switch, wherein the receiver-switch module is configured to receive the control signal from the transmitter-detector module and provide a signal to the power switch to cause the power switch to change state in response to receiving the control signal, such that said power switch is alternately turned on to cause the receiver plug to be connected to the receiver outlet, and turned off to cause the receiver plug to be disconnected from the receiver outlet.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the transmitter-detector module further comprises a toggle switch connected to the sensor and configured to activate the sensor such that the power switch of the receiver-switch module changes state.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the transmitter-detector module further comprises a push button control connected to the sensor and configured to activate the sensor such that the power switch of the receiver-switch module changes state.
 18. The system of claim 15 further comprising one or more additional transmitter-detector modules, and wherein the receiver-switch module is configured to receive the control signal from the transmitter-detector module and the one or more additional transmitter-detector modules and provide a signal to the power switch to cause the power switch to change state in response to receiving the control signal, such that said power switch is alternately turned on to cause the receiver plug to be connected to the receiver outlet, and turned off to cause the receiver plug to be disconnected from the receiver outlet. 